Bibi went up to Shahida and handed her the key to her first-floor home. ‘I cannot thank you enough, Ammi,’ she said. ‘You never made me feel like a motherless child. Bless me so that I can start my own home and run it like you do, with utmost faith and love.’

As she bent to touch her feet, Shahida stepped forward and took her in an embrace. ‘Go with the blessings of God, my child. We will look forward to your visits. And don’t forget, we are your parents and we will always be here for you.’ Shahida then walked up to Virk, her eyes brimming with tears. ‘My daughter has seen and suffered what no girl ever should. I humbly beg of you to help erase that part of her life from her memory with your love.’ Virk was touched by her words. Their simplicity was beyond his imagination.

‘I will, Ammi,’ he promised.

Then he looked at the long, curving road ahead, scanning the sea of faces that had assembled to bid them farewell. He continued, ‘Ammi, I won’t leave any stone unturned, I promise. When we meet you next, you will see a big difference in her. Please have faith.’

Shahida smiled and said, ‘I am sure you will. I am a mother after all, and all mothers worry. Go with the blessings of God. May He be your guide, always.’

Minutes later, after the newly married couple was seated comfortably, the vehicles began moving slowly and then picked up speed. They moved from hill to hill where Bibi saw hundreds of villagers, lined up on the side of the road, waving their hands, wishing them a safe journey.

She too waved back till she lost sight of them.

Bibi put her head on Virk’s shoulder and said thoughtfully, ‘How I wish my parents were alive to see this day. I feel my mother’s presence, telling me that she’s so happy to see me as a bride. How can I ever thank you?’

Virk was touched by her words. He put his arm around her, pulled her closer and planted a kiss on her forehead. ‘Your parents haven’t gone anywhere, Amrit. They protected you from harm; they smile and laugh through your lips and eyes. Perhaps, they selected me too for their beautiful daughter. They are with you all the time.’

She was so choked with emotion that she could not reply. She let her husband’s priceless words sink into her heart and prayed that what she had heard was indeed true.